JP2008176811A - Information distribution device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide content information desired by a customer at an appropriate timing without the customer having to perform a complicated operation for requesting the distribution of the content information. <P>SOLUTION: An operation of a device (such as a telephone 58 and a PC 54) owned by a customer is sensed by a control server 52, and at the timing when the operation state of the device the operation of which is sensed changes, content information (an image, for example) related to the changed operation state is selected. The selected content information is distributed to the customer through a predetermined communication means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information distribution apparatus, and more particularly to an information distribution apparatus that distributes information to a customer.

  In recent years, with the spread of information communication networks such as the Internet, various content information including images has been distributed to customers. As an example, with Photonet, images uploaded from customers are stored on a web server, and a user can view images online via a personal computer (PC) or a mobile phone with a function of accessing the Internet. (See Non-Patent Document 1). An i-mode image distribution service is also known as an example of a service for distributing images to mobile phones (see Non-Patent Document 2).

GIGNO SYSTEM JAPAN Co., Ltd., “New service [EZ Album Service] for mobile phones with camera”, [online], [Search September 17, 2002], Internet <URL: http: //www.photonet. co.jp/pdf/albumez.pdf> NTT DoCoMo, Inc., "i-mode menu site (program) list", [online], [searched on September 17, 2002], Internet <URL: http://www.nttdocomo.co .jp / p_s / imode / ＞

  Photo prints of images taken by the user are generally organized by the user himself / herself to create an album. However, organizing photo prints and creating albums is a complicated task, and the complexity of the work is reduced. There aren't many opportunities to view the albums you created later. If you use the Photonet service, you can view images without having to do complicated tasks such as organizing photo prints and creating albums. To browse your own images stored on a web server However, it is necessary for the customer himself / herself to access the photonet and input the ID information, and there is a problem that it takes time to view a desired image.

  In addition, the image distribution service to mobile phones distributes images (still images and moving images) provided by partner companies, and images desired by customers are included in images provided by partner companies. There is no guarantee. When the desired image is not included in the images provided by the partner, there is a problem that it is necessary for the customer himself / herself to actively search for the desired image, and it takes much time to acquire the desired image. .

  The above problem is not limited to the case where the content information desired by the customer is an image, but the distribution service also provides the desired content when it is desired to acquire other content information such as voice and text information. In many cases, information is not distributed, and a situation in which a complicated operation such as actively searching for desired content information by itself is required has occurred.

  An object of the present invention is to obtain an information distribution apparatus that can provide content information desired by a customer to the customer at an appropriate timing without the customer performing a complicated operation for requesting distribution of the content information.

  The information distribution apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention detects the operation of the device owned by the customer, and obtains content information related to the changed operation state at the timing when the operation state of the detected device changes. Selection means for selecting, and distribution means for distributing the content information selected by the selection means to the customer via a predetermined communication means are configured.

  The timing at which the operating state of the equipment owned by the customer has changed due to the operation by the customer or other factors is highly likely that the customer wants to distribute information, and is appropriate as the timing of information distribution to the customer. Is likely. Based on the above, the selection means according to the first aspect of the invention detects the operation of the device possessed by the customer, and relates to the changed operation state at the timing when the operation state of the detected device changes. Select content information. The distribution unit distributes the content information selected by the selection unit to the customer via a predetermined communication unit. Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide the customer with the content information desired by the customer at an appropriate timing without the customer performing a complicated operation for requesting distribution of the content information.

  The information distribution apparatus according to the invention of claim 2 detects use of a medium possessed by a customer, and when the specific medium is used by the customer, content information related to the specific medium used is obtained. Selection means for selecting, and distribution means for distributing the content information selected by the selection means to the customer via a predetermined communication means are configured.

  The timing when the medium possessed by the customer is used is highly likely that the customer desires to distribute information, and is likely to be an appropriate timing as the timing of information distribution to the customer. Based on the above, the selection means according to the invention described in claim 2 detects the use of the medium owned by the customer and relates to the specific medium used when the specific medium is used by the customer. Select content information. The distribution unit distributes the content information selected by the selection unit to the customer via a predetermined communication unit. Therefore, also in the invention described in claim 2, content information desired by the customer can be provided to the customer at an appropriate timing without the customer performing a complicated operation for requesting distribution of the content information.

  The content information in the present invention can include at least one of, for example, a still image, a moving image, sound, text, and a program. Further, examples of the predetermined communication means include a communication line network (specifically, for example, the Internet), a television broadcast, and the like. Further, the content information distributed to the customer is reproduced by a reproducing means possessed by the customer. For example, if the distributed content information is a still image, a moving image, text, or the like, display means (or images) such as a television, a PC, a mobile phone, a projector, or electronic paper (see Japanese Patent Publication No. 11-502950). If the content information is audio, the content information can be reproduced by an audio reproduction means such as an audio device or a mobile phone (or an apparatus having a function of reproducing audio). it can. Further, if the distributed content information is a program, it can be executed by an information processing device (for example, a computer such as a PC, a portable device such as a PDA or a mobile phone). For example, if the program is a game program, the display means A game screen is displayed and the customer can enjoy the game.

  Moreover, the information delivery apparatus according to the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2 may be configured to deliver content information only to a single customer (in this aspect, the information delivery apparatus is For example, it may be installed in the home of a customer to whom content information is distributed, and the content information may be distributed to a plurality of customers. When distributing content information to multiple customers, for example, the selection means selects content information to be distributed to each customer based on information obtained from each customer, and the distribution means selects What is necessary is just to comprise so that the content information selected by the means may be delivered to each customer. Thereby, the content information desired by each customer can be automatically provided to each customer.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, when the information distribution device further includes storage means for storing content information that can be distributed to the customer, the selection means is content information to be distributed to the customer. Can be selected from the content information stored in the storage means. In addition, the content information that can be distributed to the customer may be stored and stored in an information storage unit such as a database connected to the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention via a communication line. The content information to be distributed to the customer can be selected from the content information stored and stored in the information storage means, and can be obtained via a communication line.

  In the above aspect, the storage means includes content information provided by a customer (for example, photographed image information obtained by a customer photographing a subject, or a customer using CG (Computer Graphics)). Information on the created image (also referred to as CGI: Computer Generated Image), image information obtained by the customer operating the scanner and reading the image, audio information, text information, and the like may be stored. In this case, the distribution means provides the content information provided from a specific customer and selected by the selection means as content information to be distributed to the customer to at least one of the specific customer and the distribution destination instructed by the specific customer. It can be configured to deliver.

  As described above, in the present invention, distribution of content information is automatically performed, so by storing the content information provided by the customer in the storage means, the customer himself creates an album or images, etc. The content information provided by the customer himself / herself is automatically distributed without inputting information such as an ID for browsing, so that the customer can easily browse / view the content information provided by the customer himself / herself. Moreover, since the content information provided by the specific customer is distributed to at least one of the specific customer and the distribution destination designated by the specific customer, the privacy of each customer can be protected.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, a plurality of pieces of image information as content information to be distributed to a customer are selected by the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention and distributed to a single customer for distribution. When the plurality of images represented by the plurality of image information displayed are displayed on the display surface of the single display unit, for example, the distribution unit includes a plurality of images represented by the plurality of image information selected by the selection unit, It is preferable that a plurality of pieces of image information are edited and distributed so as to be displayed on the display unit of the customer in a display layout designated in advance by the distribution destination customer.

  Thus, by letting the customer specify the display layout (for example, the display position and display size of each image within the display surface of the display means), the image represented by the plurality of image information to be distributed matches the customer's desire. It can be displayed on the display surface of the display means in the display layout. In addition, when a character or the like is included in the image represented by the image information, the display size or the like of the character may be automatically changed according to the customer's designation or according to the customer's age.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 1 or 2, the distribution means includes, for example, the image information selected by the selection means as the content information to be distributed to the customer, the attribute of the image information, the distribution destination from the customer. It is preferable to deliver the image after performing image processing according to at least one of the configuration of the display means for displaying the image represented by the instruction and the image information. Examples of the attribute of the image information include the content of the image represented by the image information. For example, if the image content is a landscape image, the season / weather of the landscape represented by the image is processed as image processing according to the attribute of the image information. Image processing that corrects the image quality such as the color of the image according to the time zone (sunny / cloudy / rain / wind and dawn / day / sunset) can be performed.

  Further, when the execution of specific image processing is instructed by the customer of the distribution destination, the instructed image processing (for example, synthesis of characters and templates, synthesis of speech, etc.) can be performed. Further, as image processing according to the configuration of the display means, resolution conversion, color / gradation conversion, display size adjustment and displayable gradation number (number of bits per pixel) according to the configuration of the display means. Examples include format conversion such as adjustment, adjustment of the number of frames for image information representing a moving image, and the like. As a result, it is possible to display on the customer display means an image having image quality and image content that matches the attribute of the image information, the customer's preference, and the configuration of the display means.

  In the invention described in claim 1 or claim 2, it is preferable that the selecting means also selects content information related to the content information selected as the content information to be distributed to the customer, for example. The content information related to the selected content information is information related to the attribute of the selected content information (for example, if it is photographed image information obtained by a customer photographing a subject, photographing as the attribute of the photographed image information) Information related to the location, subject, shooting date, etc., or information related to the selected content information itself or content (for example, information having the same or similar field or type as the selected content information, selected content) It may be information explaining the content of the information). The related content information may be a still image, a moving image, sound, text, or the like, or information indicating a reference destination of the content information main body (for example, link destination information on the Internet).

  When the selection unit selects the related information as described above, the distribution unit distributes the related information. The distributed related information may be constantly presented to the customer, or may be presented when an instruction is given from the customer. As a result, even if the customer is interested in the distributed content information, the related information can be obtained very easily. Depending on the content of the related information to be distributed, Amusement can be improved.

  As described above, the invention according to claim 1 detects the operation of the device possessed by the customer, and at the timing when the operation state of the detected device changes, the content information related to the changed operation state is obtained. Since the selected content information is distributed to the customer via a predetermined communication means, the customer can obtain the content information desired by the customer at an appropriate timing without performing a complicated operation for requesting the distribution of the content information. It has an excellent effect that it can be provided.

  The invention according to claim 2 detects use of a medium owned by a customer, and selects and selects content information related to the specific medium used when the specific medium is used by the customer. Since the content information is distributed to the customer via a predetermined communication means, it is possible to provide the customer with the content information desired by the customer at an appropriate timing without performing a complicated operation for requesting the distribution of the content information. It has the excellent effect of being able to.

  Prior to the description of embodiments of the present invention, first, comparative examples of the present invention will be described.

[First Comparative Example]
FIG. 1 shows an information distribution system 10 according to the first comparative example. The information distribution system 10 includes an information distribution device 12. The information distribution apparatus 12 is composed of a computer such as a workstation, and although not shown, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an input / output port are connected to each other via a bus. A mouse, a keyboard, a hard disk drive (HDD) 14 (see FIG. 1), a CD-ROM drive, a communication control device (for example, a modem or a router), etc. are connected to the input / output ports.

  In the information distribution apparatus 12, an information distribution program for executing information distribution processing (details will be described later) to which the information distribution method according to the present invention is applied by the CPU of the information distribution apparatus 12 is installed in the HDD 14 in advance. When the CPU executes the information distribution program, the computer constituting the information distribution apparatus 12 functions as the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention. This information distribution program is stored in, for example, the CD-ROM 70 (see FIG. 1), the CD-ROM 70 is set in the CD-ROM drive of the information distribution apparatus 12, and the program from the CD-ROM 70 to the information distribution apparatus 12 is stored. It can be installed by instructing to transfer (install).

  The information distribution program may be recorded on another recording medium such as a floppy (registered trademark) disk, MO, ZIP, or DVD instead of the CD-ROM 70, or a computer network such as the Internet. It may be downloaded to a computer and installed.

  The information distribution device 12 is the information (or customer) that the customer desires to distribute by the distribution method designated by the customer with respect to the customer who has made an information distribution contract with the information distributor who owns the information distribution device 12 in advance. (Information estimated to be distributed) is provided (details will be described later). For this reason, the HDD 14 stores information (customer information) related to each customer who has signed an information distribution contract, and also various information (corresponding to the content information according to the present invention) that can be distributed to the customer. It is remembered. The types of information that can be distributed to customers include, for example, still image information representing still images, moving image information representing moving images, audio information, text information, and the like. Has been.

  Note that, as the field of still images, for example, landscapes (for example, landscapes such as sights), people (for example, talents), paintings, calendars, weather forecasts (weather forecasts around distribution destinations, or weather forecasts for areas designated in advance) As the field of moving images, for example, movies, animations, sports images, watches (moving images of digital watches or moving images of analog watches), etc. can be cited, and the field of audio Examples include BGM, hourly reports, and music set in advance for each time. Examples of text fields include news and local information, but are not limited thereto.

  Further, in the information distribution system 10 according to the first comparative example, the customer can upload the captured image information obtained by photographing the subject to the information distribution apparatus 12, and the customer can The captured image information uploaded to the information distribution device 12 is also stored (stored) in the HDD 14.

  The information distribution apparatus 12 (communication control apparatus) is connected to the Internet 16, and the Internet 16 includes a computer 20 (for example, a personal computer (PC)) owned by each of a plurality of distribution information providers 18. Etc.) and a computer 26 (for example, a PC) owned by the print finisher 24 is also connected. Instead of the Internet 16, another computer network constructed with a high-speed and large-capacity dedicated communication line may be used.

  A distribution information storage unit 22 that stores information that can be distributed to customers is connected to the computer 20 of the distribution information provider. The print finisher 24 is a digital print composed of a device such as a film scanner for reading an image recorded on a photographic film and a digital printer for performing a print finishing process for recording an image represented by image data on a recording material such as photographic paper. I have a system 28. The digital print system 28 is connected to a computer 26 and can perform a print finishing process using image data received by the computer 26 via the Internet 16.

  Each customer who has signed an information distribution contract with an information distributor has an information reproduction device for reproducing the information distributed from the information distribution device 12, but the information reproduction device owned by each customer Types are not constant. For this reason, in the first comparative example, as a method for distributing information from the information distribution apparatus 12 to the customer, several distribution methods are prepared according to the type of information reproducing device possessed by the customer.

  A typical information reproducing device possessed by a customer is a PC 30 (which may be another information processing apparatus) having a function of connecting to the Internet 16 as indicated by “customer A” in FIG. . In addition, a device for reproducing information received by the PC 30 from the information distribution apparatus 12 via the Internet 16 (for example, a TV 32, a mobile device (mobile phone, PHS, PDA, etc.) 34 indicated by a broken line in FIG. In some cases, at least one of electronic paper 36 and audio device 38 is connected. When the information distribution target customer possesses the information reproducing device as described above, the information distribution device 12 distributes information to the customer's PC 30 via the Internet 16.

  The electronic paper 36 is an extremely thin and flexible display device that can display arbitrary information using an electrophoresis phenomenon or the like (for example, JP 11-502950 A, Nikkei Electronics 2000.12). Needless to say, an ordinary liquid crystal display (LCD) may be used instead.

  In addition, some customers may have only a portable device 40 having a function of connecting to the Internet 16 as an information reproducing device, as indicated by “customer B” in FIG. When the customer to whom information is distributed possesses only the portable device 40, the information distribution device 12 processes the information to be distributed into information suitable for distribution to the portable device 40, and then carries the customer's cell phone via the Internet 16. Information is distributed to the device 40.

  Further, as indicated by “customer C” in FIG. 1, there is also a customer who possesses a TV 42 to which the distribution information processing unit 44 and the storage unit 46 are connected as an information reproducing device. When the customer to whom information is distributed has the TV 42 configured as described above, the information distribution apparatus 12 processes the information to be distributed into information suitable for distribution to the TV 42, and then distributes the information to the broadcaster 48. Information is distributed to the customer's TV 42.

  Next, the operation of the first comparative example will be described. When a customer concludes an information distribution contract with an information distributor, the information distribution method, the type and field of information desired to be distributed, the distribution timing (information distribution date or distribution cycle), and information for reproducing the distributed information Information such as the configuration of the playback device is notified to the information distributor. The information distributor gives a customer ID to each customer who has signed an information distribution contract, and on the HDD 14 of the information distribution apparatus 12 based on the information notified from the customer, as shown in Table 1 below as an example. Register customer information.

  The customer information shown in Table 1 shows an example of customer information (an example of customer information for one record corresponding to a single customer). As customer customer attribute information, “customer ID” includes a customer ID. However, the “information distribution method” includes information for specifying a distribution method for distributing information to the customer, and the “distribution destination specifying information” includes information for specifying the distribution destination (for example, the IP address of the customer's PC 30 or the like) The terminal number of the mobile device 40 of the customer is set. In addition, the “configuration of all information playback devices” includes the configuration (type / playback possible) of all information playback devices owned by the customer (all information playback devices that can be used for playback of distributed information). Information indicating the information format / playback performance (for example, display resolution, number of gradations, display color gamut, etc. in an image display device that reproduces and displays an image) is included in the “image display layout” in a single image display device. Information for defining a display layout (an example is shown in FIG. 2) for reproducing and displaying the information is set.

  In addition, the six items of information described as “distribution information A” in Table 1 are attribute information corresponding to a single piece of distribution information (individual information that the customer desires to distribute). Is set as one record, and the same number of records as the number of distribution information designated by the customer are provided, and attribute information is set in each record according to the designation of the customer.

  Specifically, the attribute information set for each item includes the type of distribution information (still image / moving image / sound / text ...) and field (for example, what kind of image is an image, etc.) ) Is set, and the “delivery timing” is set with the delivery cycle or delivery date and time of the delivery information. In the first comparative example, each piece of information is identified by adding an ID to all information that can be distributed to the customer, and the customer desires to distribute specific information at a specific date and time. In this case, the ID of the specific information is set in the “type / field”.

  The “information playback device to be used” includes information specifying the information playback device used for playback of the corresponding distribution information among the information playback devices whose configurations are specified in the “configuration of all information playback devices” described above. However, other attribute information related to the distribution information is set in “other attributes” (for example, in Table 1, the customer is instructed to add a description (text) to the landscape image as the corresponding information. Is shown as an example of attribute information). In the “distribution history”, the information distribution apparatus 12 automatically sets the ID and distribution date and time of information distributed as relevant information in the past. Furthermore, “other delivery destination” is information necessary for delivering the relevant information to the specific delivery destination when the customer desires to deliver the relevant information to another specific delivery destination. (Customer ID, delivery method, information for specifying delivery destination, etc.) are set.

  Next, information distribution processing that is always executed by the information distribution apparatus 12 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In step 100, the customer information of each customer stored in the HDD 14 is referred to in turn in units of attribute information of each delivery information, and whether there is delivery information that has arrived at the timing to be delivered to the customer. judge. If the determination is negative, step 100 is repeated until the determination is positive.

  For example, if you find distribution information that has passed the time corresponding to the distribution cycle set in “Distribution Timing” from the previous information distribution date set in “Distribution History”, or set it to “Distribution Timing” When the distribution information that has been delivered has been found, the determination in step 100 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 102, and information that matches the conditions set in the “type / field” is stored in the HDD 14. Search whether or not.

  Specifically, when an ID of distribution information is set in “type / field”, information specified by the ID (for example, specific captured image information) is searched and distributed to “type / field”. When the type / field of information to be set is set, information that matches the set type / field (information suitable for distribution) is searched. When searching for information that matches the set type / field, information that has been distributed in the past is excluded from search targets based on the ID of information that has been distributed in the past that is set in the “distribution history”. May be included in the search target even if the information has been distributed in the past if the distribution frequency is less than or equal to a predetermined value (if there is no other information suitable for distribution) Good.

  In the next step 104, it is determined whether or not the corresponding information has been found by the search in step 102. If the determination is affirmed, the found information is read from the HDD 14 and the process proceeds to step 110. If the determination is denied, the process proceeds to step 106 and the search condition for the distribution information (for example, “type / The “field” and “distribution history”) are notified to other distribution information providers 18 via the Internet 16 to request provision of information that matches the conditions. In step 108, the process waits until information is received from the distribution information provider 18. Upon receiving the request, the distribution information provider 18 searches whether or not information that matches the notified search condition is stored in the distribution information storage unit 22, and transmits the information extracted by the search to the information distribution apparatus 12. To do. By receiving this information, the determination at step 108 is affirmed, and the routine proceeds to step 110.

  Although the amount of information that can be stored in the HDD 14 of the information distribution device 12 is limited, if information suitable for distribution is not stored in the HDD 14, the information is sent to other distribution information providers 18 as described above. By requesting the provision, provision of information is received from another distribution information provider 18, so that a wide variety of information can be distributed to the customer.

  In addition, although steps 106 and 108 described above show a case where information is provided from a single distribution information provider 18 for the sake of simplicity, provision of information from a plurality of distribution information providers 18 is shown. You may make it receive. In this case, a request order of information provision is determined (the order may be fixed, or may be determined for each type of information or field), and information is first sent to the distribution information provider 18 having the highest order. If the distribution information provider 18 does not hold appropriate information as distribution information, the distribution information provider 18 may request the distribution information provider 18 having a lower order to provide information. Each of the plurality of distribution information providers 18 is requested to notify each of the distribution information providers 18, and the optimum information as distribution information is obtained based on the list of information that can be provided notified from each distribution information provider 18. You may make it request | require the provision of the said information from the distribution information provider 18 which selects and holds the selected information.

  In step 110, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to perform some image processing on the distribution information read out from the HDD 14 or received from the distribution information provider 18. This determination is unconditionally denied if the acquired distribution information is not image information, and the process proceeds to step 114.

  On the other hand, for example, when the acquired distribution information (image information) is not suitable for playback display on the information playback device set to “information playback device to be used” (for example, information format (for example, jpeg, gif, png, bmp Etc.), the display resolution, the number of gradations, the display color gamut, etc. are inconsistent), the determination in step 110 is affirmed and the routine proceeds to step 112, where the information distribution device uses the acquired distribution information as necessary image processing Image processing is performed to convert the information into information suitable for playback display. As an example, as shown in Table 1, a plurality of information reproducing devices are set as “information reproducing devices to be used”, and information formats, display resolutions, gradation numbers, and color gamuts that can be reproduced by each information reproducing device. If they do not match, in step 112, the acquired distribution information is converted into a plurality of types of distribution information corresponding to each information reproducing device.

  Further, for example, when the frame size of the image represented by the acquired distribution information (image information) does not match the frame size of the display area defined by the information set in the “image display layout”, the determination in step 110 is also performed. Is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 112, and image processing for enlarging or reducing the frame size of the image represented by the acquired distribution information according to the frame size of the display area is performed as necessary image processing.

  Further, as shown in Table 1 as an example, the determination in step 110 is also affirmed when the instruction to execute a specific image process is set as attribute information in “other attributes” by the customer. Then, the process proceeds to step 112 where image processing instructed to be executed by the customer is performed (in the example of Table 1, an explanatory text (text) is added to a landscape image).

  Further, the image processing may be selectively performed according to the attribute of the acquired image information to be distributed. For example, if the image information to be distributed is photographed image information uploaded from a distribution destination customer, image processing according to the content of the image represented by the photographed image information can be performed. As the image processing according to the content of the image, if the image is a landscape image with a landscape as a subject, for example, the season / weather / time zone of the landscape represented by the image (sunny / cloudy / rain / wind or dawn / daytime) Image processing that corrects the color of the image according to (sunset), etc., and if the image is a person image with a person as the subject, the sharpness of the image is slightly reduced and the image is taken with soft focus. Examples include image processing for changing to an image having the same image quality, and image processing for extracting a skin color portion of a person and correcting the color so that the skin color is appropriately reproduced.

  Regardless of the attribute of the image information to be distributed, the image information to be distributed is uniformly subjected to image processing (for example, image processing for changing the image into oil painting style / watercolor style / ink style / animation style, or a specific character Image processing for combining the image data, etc.).

  Further, in step 112, even when information other than the image information is a distribution target, a predetermined process may be performed according to the information reproducing device used for reproduction. For example, when audio information is to be distributed, processing such as changing the number of channels (monaural / stereo / 4 channel / 5.1 channel) or equalizing according to the device used for audio reproduction may be performed. .

  In the next step 114, it is determined whether or not information related to the distribution information is also distributed. When the distribution information is a landscape image, the related information includes, for example, text explaining the subject (famous place, etc.), text showing the shooting date and time, shooting conditions, etc., a map showing the location and shooting location of the subject, and the location of the subject. And text indicating the URL of a website that can be applied for a tour to visit. In addition, when the distribution information is a movie (moving image), the related information includes, for example, a director name, an actor name, a text introducing the release date, a text introducing a commentary of the movie, and an advertising poster at the time of release. Text, images introducing other movies with the same image, director or actor, other movies with the same genre, etc., text showing the URL of a website where videos or DVDs containing movies to be distributed can be purchased, etc. Can be mentioned. In addition, when the distribution information is music, as related information, for example, a performer, a song composer, a text introducing the recording date, a title of another music with the same performer or song composer, etc. are introduced. Text, text indicating the URL of a website where a CD containing music to be distributed can be purchased, and the like.

  The related information as described above may be uniformly added to all the distribution information for distribution, or whether or not the related information is also distributed when an information distribution contract is concluded with the customer in advance. Alternatively, it may be delivered only when delivery of related information is requested from the customer via the Internet 16. If the related information is not distributed, the determination in step 114 is denied and the process proceeds to step 124. However, if the related information is distributed, the determination in step 114 is affirmed and the process proceeds to step 116. It is searched whether or not distributable information is stored in the HDD 14.

  In step 118, it is determined whether or not the corresponding information has been found by the search in step 116. If the determination is affirmed, the found information is read from the HDD 14 and the process proceeds to step 124. If the determination is denied, the process proceeds to step 120, and the ID of the distribution information is distributed to the other distribution via the Internet 16. The information provider 18 is notified, and the provision of information related to the distribution information is requested. In step 122, the process waits until the related information is received from the distribution information provider 18.

  Upon receiving the request, the distribution information provider 18 searches whether or not information related to the notified ID information (distribution information) is stored in the distribution information storage unit 22, and the information extracted by the search is information. Transmit to the distribution device 12. By receiving this information, the determination at step 122 is affirmed, and the routine proceeds to step 124.

  In step 124, the distribution information (and related information) is changed to a distribution method (distribution via the Internet 16 or distribution via the broadcaster 48) defined by the information set in the “information distribution method”. Distribution is made to the customer specified by “customer ID” (when information is set in “other distribution destinations”, distribution is also made to the distribution destination specified by the information). Then, after updating the “distribution history” of the customer information, the process returns to step 100, and step 100 and subsequent steps are repeated.

  Specifically, for the above information distribution, for example, as indicated by “customer A” in FIG. 1, the distribution destination customer possesses a PC 30 having a function of connecting to the Internet 16. In this case, or when the customer of the delivery destination has a portable device 40 having a function of connecting to the Internet 16 as indicated by “Customer B” in FIG. The information is distributed by, for example, specifying the address of the customer's information receiving terminal (PC 30 or portable device 40) (for example, the IP address of the PC 30 or the terminal number of the portable device 40) and transmitting the information. Storage means (HDD) that is formed by information being received by an information receiving terminal through a procedure such as authentication and the distributed information is built into the customer's PC 30 or portable device 40 Is temporarily stored in a memory or the like).

  Further, an information reproducing device such as a TV 32, a portable device 34, an electronic paper 36, and an audio device 38 is connected to the PC 30, and the information reproducing device other than the PC 30 is designated by the customer as an information reproducing device used for reproducing information. (When information specifying that an information reproducing device other than the PC 30 is used is set in the “information reproducing device to be used” of the customer information), the information is temporarily stored in the storage means built in the PC 30. The information thus obtained is redistributed to the corresponding information reproducing device by the information receiving software described above. Then, the distributed information is reproduced by an information reproducing device designated by the customer automatically or triggered by an instruction from the customer.

  For example, as shown by “customer C” in FIG. 1, when a distribution destination customer has a TV 42 to which a distribution information processing unit 44 and a storage unit 46 are connected, information to be distributed To the broadcaster 48 by adding the customer ID to the broadcaster (other information for specifying the delivery destination may be used instead of the customer ID) and requesting the broadcaster 48 to distribute the information. To do. This information may be transmitted to the broadcaster 48 after being encrypted. The broadcaster 48 requested to distribute the information modulates the information received from the information distribution apparatus 12 into a distribution signal and broadcasts the distribution signal as a signal of a specific channel or superimposes it on a normal TV broadcast signal. .

  The distribution information processing unit 44 connected to the TV 42 receives a modulated signal broadcast as a signal of a specific channel, or monitors whether the distribution signal is superimposed on the TV broadcast signal received by the TV 42. When the distribution signal is superimposed on the TV broadcast signal, the distribution signal is extracted, and the customer ID added to the received or extracted distribution signal is compared with the customer ID stored in the storage unit 46 in advance. If the customer IDs match, it is determined that the extracted distribution signal is a distribution signal addressed to the own station, and the extracted distribution signal is demodulated and stored in the storage unit 46. Then, the distributed information is reproduced by the TV 42 (or another information reproducing device) automatically or triggered by an instruction from the customer.

  By repeating the information distribution process described above in the information distribution device 12, information of the type and field desired by each customer who has signed an information distribution contract with the information distributor can be obtained at the distribution timing desired by each customer. The information distributed to the customer is reproduced by the information reproducing device designated by the individual customer.

  For related information other than the distribution information distributed according to the customer's request, for example, when the distribution information is reproduced, if the related information is present (distributed), the customer is notified, and the reproduction of the related information is performed by the customer. It may be played back when instructed by the customer, or it will be played back when there is relevant information when the customer instructs to reproduce the relevant information without notifying the customer whether or not there is relevant information. If there is no related information, a notification to that effect may be given, and for distribution information that has related information, the related information may also be reproduced at the same time. By reproducing the related information as described above, it is possible to improve the usefulness and entertainment of the information distribution service provided by the information distribution apparatus 12.

  The information distribution service provided by the information distribution apparatus 12 according to the first comparative example is various by specifying the type / field of distribution information, distribution timing, information display device, etc. according to the usage desired by the customer. It can be used for various purposes.

  For example, a thin image display device (electronic paper 36 or LCD) hung on a wall such as a living room is designated as an information reproduction device, and a landscape photograph or a still image of a painting is designated as the type / field of information to be distributed. If an appropriate cycle is designated as the distribution timing, it can be used as an interior in which the display content is automatically and periodically switched.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the display layout is specified so that the display surface of the image display device is divided into a plurality of display areas, the images to be displayed in each display area are specified, and the distribution of each image is performed. If an appropriate cycle is specified as the timing (for example, a talent image is distributed every M days, a landscape image is distributed every N hours, etc.), the images displayed in each display area are automatically switched at a specified cycle. The image display device can function as an information display board on which a variety of information is displayed.

  Further, the photographed image information obtained by the customer photographing the subject is uploaded to the information distribution device 12 and stored in the information distribution device 12 (the HDD 14), and the photographed image information is stored as information to be distributed. If you specify relatives and acquaintances as other distribution destinations, the captured image information is automatically distributed to relatives and acquaintances as other distribution destinations, and captured images are displayed on image display devices such as relatives and acquaintances Can be displayed, so that relatives, acquaintances, etc. can easily view the captured image.

  Furthermore, if the photographed image information is designated as an image to be distributed and a date related to the photographed image (for example, a date with some event such as a photographing date, an anniversary or a holiday) is designated as a distribution timing, the designated photographed image is designated. Since the information is automatically distributed on the specified date (date related to the photographed image), the customer can enter the album ID and the customer can actively search for the desired image without performing complicated work such as the customer himself / herself. Customers can view images taken by themselves at an appropriate time.

  In the information distribution system 10, the customer can place a print order for a desired image among the images distributed to the customer and displayed on the image display device. The print order by the customer may be made, for example, from the customer's PC 30 or portable device 40 via the Internet 16, or may be made by contacting the information distributor via other communication means such as a telephone. Good. The print order from the customer is not limited to the order to simply print the delivered image, but it is also possible to specify text and other images to be combined, and adjust density, color, gradation, etc. It is also possible to instruct.

  When receiving a print order from a customer, the information distribution device 12 transmits image information of the print order target, information about the customer who is the orderer, information representing the contents of the order, etc. to the print finisher 24, and executes the print finishing process. Ask. The print finishing contractor 24 that has received the image information to be printed via the Internet 16 and the computer 26 uses the received image information and performs a print finishing process by the digital printing system 28 according to the order contents represented by the received information. Then, the photograph print created by the print finishing process is sent to the customer's home or the like notified from the information distribution device 12. As a result, the result of the customer placing the print order reaches the customer.

  The information distribution system 10 also provides a service for transferring (downloading) original data of desired information designated by the customer among the information distributed to the customer to the customer's PC 30 or the like. The settlement when the print finishing process is performed according to the customer's print order or the original data is transferred (downloaded) according to the customer's request is, for example, when charging the customer for compensation for information distribution to the customer. This can be done by adding and paying for the print order or download.

  In the first comparative example, even when the distribution information is photographed image information, the related information of the photographed image information to be distributed can be transmitted. For example, when a customer uploads photographed image information, he / she also requests transmission of attribute information of each photographed image (shooting date / time, shooting location, event type (such as travel or athletic meet), etc.) The attribute information received from the customer is stored (stored) in association with the photographed image information, and when the specific photographed image information is distributed, the attribute information of the photographed image represented by the photographed image information is referred to and photographed. Related information (for example, encyclopedia information or advertisement information) may be searched and added based on the date and time, shooting location, event type, and the like.

  Also, based on the attribute information stored in association with the photographed image information, the field of interest (customer's tendency) etc. of the customer is analyzed for each customer, and it matches the preference of each customer. Information may be distributed as related information.

  Further, the attribute information of the photographed image described above may be set manually by the customer, for example, but may be set automatically. That is, if the camera used by the customer to shoot the subject has a global positioning system (GPS) function and records the shooting date / time and shooting location (and altitude) at the same time as shooting, obtain this information. By doing so, it is possible to automatically determine the shooting date and time and the shooting location. In addition, if the direction indicator for the direction finder is installed in the GPS built-in camera, the shooting azimuth angle in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane can also be recorded. It is also possible to estimate the subject by collating with a map database or the like. Furthermore, events held in various parts of the country can be stored as a database in association with information such as the location and date of the event (this database may be provided in the information distribution device 12, for example, or on the Internet 16). It may be provided in a specific connected web server), and by searching the database using the shooting date and time and the shooting location as a key, it is possible to determine the event held at the shooting location at the time of shooting.

  In addition, a camera that incorporates a GPS function and a direction indicator for a direction finder is equipped with a function for performing wireless communication so that the shooting location and shooting can be performed during shooting (for example, when the shutter button is pressed halfway) or during playback of a shot image. The azimuth angle (and shooting date / time) is configured to be transmitted to the information distribution device 12, and the information distribution device 12 receives the shooting location and shooting azimuth angle (and shooting date / time) from the camera, based on the received information. After performing the estimation of the subject, information related to the estimated subject may be searched, and the information obtained by the search may be distributed to the information transmission source camera. Thus, when the customer shoots a specific subject or reproduces and displays an image of the specific subject, information related to the specific subject is immediately distributed from the information distribution device 12 and reproduced by the camera.

  Further, in the above, only when the customer is instructed to execute specific image processing such as adding text to the image information to be distributed, the attribute information is set in the “other attributes”. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the customer who viewed the image reproduced and displayed on the image display device, for example, added voice or comment, Even when adjustment of composition, density, color, gradation, etc. is instructed, image processing according to an instruction from a customer may be performed, and image information that has undergone image processing may be redistributed.

  Further, in the above description, the case where information is always distributed at a distribution timing specified in advance has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an “important” image is displayed with respect to a specific image displayed on an image display device. When the information indicating that the image is “favorite” or the information indicating that the image is a “favorite” is received from the customer, the display period of the specific image is extended (the distribution time of the image to be distributed next is delayed). Alternatively, the distribution information may be selected so that the frequency of distribution of the specific image increases when selecting the distribution information from the next time onward.

  Further, in the above description, the example in which the designated photographed image information is simply delivered at the designated delivery timing has been described for the photographed image information of the customer. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For all photographed image information, the distribution frequency within a predetermined period (for example, one year) is counted, and the non-delivery or distribution frequency is relatively low during a period when the distribution of specific photographed image information is not specified. You may make it deliver image information to a customer. Thereby, all the photographed image information uploaded and stored by the customer can be distributed without causing a distribution omission or an extreme bias in the distribution frequency.

  Further, entertainment elements such as games and quizzes may be incorporated into the information to be distributed. For example, when distributing image information, as shown in Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-198126, an image represented by image information is divided into a plurality of areas, and one or more areas are set as quiz areas. If image processing for performing at least one of shape change, color or density change is performed, and image information after image processing is distributed, a customer who refers to the image that has been distributed and reproduced is referred to as a so-called mistake finder. A game like this can be played. Further, game software that can be executed by the PC 30 or the portable device 40 may be distributed with contents that match the taste of the customer. Thereby, entertainment by information distribution can be further improved.

[Second Comparative Example]
Next, a second comparative example of the present invention will be described. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part same as a 1st comparative example, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 4 shows an information distribution system 50 according to the second comparative example. A customer who uses a service provided by the information distribution apparatus 12 of the information distribution system 50 (shown as “customer D” in FIG. 4) has a management server 52. The management server 52 has a function of grasping the operation of information devices in the customer's home. Hereinafter, the TV 32 will be described as an example of information equipment.

  There are several possible modes for the interface between the management server 52 and the TV 32. For example, an instruction from the customer to the TV 32 (power on / off, viewing channel designation, etc.) is transmitted from the TV 32 to the management server 52, and the broadcaster 48 The management server 52 receives the TV broadcast signal of the channel designated by the customer from the TV broadcast signals of a plurality of channels broadcasted by the customer, and outputs the received signal to the TV 32, which is designated by the customer. An interface for displaying a program (moving image) of a viewing channel on the TV 32 can be employed. Further, although an instruction from the customer to the TV 32 is transmitted from the TV 32 to the management server 52, it is also possible to adopt an interface that the TV 32 performs to receive a TV broadcast signal. By adopting the interface as described above, the management server 52 can grasp the operation of the TV 32 (viewing start / end time, viewing channel, etc.).

  The management server 52 is connected to the Internet 16. In the information distribution system 50 according to the second comparative example, based on the operation of the TV 32 ascertained by the management server 52, the field of the TV program being viewed by the customer by at least one of the management server 52 and the information distribution device 12. And contents are judged.

  For the determination of the field and content of the TV program, for example, a TV program database in which the field and content of the program broadcast by the broadcaster is stored for each channel and each time zone is stored in the HDD 14 of the information distribution device 12. The management server 52 simply notifies the information distribution apparatus 12 of the grasped TV 32 operation (viewing start / end time, viewing channel, etc.) via the Internet 16, and the information distribution apparatus 12 uses the notified information as a key for the TV program. This can be done by searching the database. Further, instead of searching the TV program database, the information distribution device 12 transmits the notified information to the broadcaster 48, and inquires of the broadcaster 48 about the field and contents of the TV program being viewed by the customer. It is also possible to judge.

  In addition, for example, the broadcaster 48 broadcasts the program information representing the field or content of the program by superimposing it on the TV broadcast signal, and the TV 32 or the management server 52 uses the received TV broadcast signal. The program is extracted by the management server 52 referring to the content of the program information, or the management server 52 transmits the information to the information distribution device 12 via the Internet 16 and the program received by the information distribution device 12 It is also possible to make a judgment by referring to the contents of information.

  Also, the management server 52 recognizes the sound of the TV program being viewed by the customer, and the management server 52 determines the field and content of the TV program based on the frequently used word field and meaning, or the frequency of words in a specific field. It is also possible to judge automatically. Further, based on the operation of the TV 32 notified from the management server 52, the information distribution apparatus 12 may receive a signal of a TV program being viewed by the customer, and the information distribution apparatus 12 may perform the above processing.

  When the field or content of the TV program being viewed by the customer is determined, the information distribution device 12 performs the same as in steps 116 to 122 of the information distribution processing (FIG. 3) described in the first comparative example. Information related to the field and content of the TV program being viewed by the user (this process corresponds to the selection means according to the present invention), and the management server 52 in which the customer has the extracted related information To the Internet 16 via the Internet. The management server 52 converts the related information distributed from the information distribution apparatus 12 into an information reproduction device suitable for the distribution of the related information (for example, electronic paper 36 connected to the management server 52 if the related information is image information). Re-distribute to (image display device).

  As a result, information related to the field and content of the TV program being viewed by the customer is played back on the information playback device to which the related information has been redistributed. Therefore, the customer views the TV program displayed on the TV 32. However, related information reproduced by the information reproducing device can also be enjoyed. By redistributing the distributed related information to the TV 32, the related information is also reproduced on the TV 32 (for example, if the related information is image information, it is displayed in a small area provided on the display surface of the TV 32, or commercial. Etc. may be displayed during a period during which is broadcast.

  In the second comparative example, the related information to be distributed may be photographed image information uploaded from a distribution destination customer and stored in the HDD 14. As an example, when a customer is watching a TV program on the theme of a specific place, the photographed image information representing a scene when the customer has visited the specific place before is distributed. By referring to the taken image, it is possible to improve the usefulness and entertainment of information distribution for the customer, such as reviving memory when visiting a specific place.

  Further, in the second comparative example, the field and contents of the TV program viewed by the customer are accumulated and stored as information, and the field in which the customer is interested (preference trend) is analyzed based on the accumulated and stored information. Information matching the customer's preference may be distributed as related information.

  In the second comparative example, for example, when the TV program being viewed by the customer is a content introducing a specific product, or when the commercial of the specific product is shown on the TV 32, the customer's home is displayed. An advertisement of a store that is located in the store and handles the specific product may be distributed. Whether or not a specific product is shown on the TV 32 can also be identified by information superimposed on the TV broadcast signal, voice recognition, or by inquiring the broadcaster.

  Furthermore, in the second comparative example, as an example of “contents of information acquired by customer via another communication means”, “the field and content of TV programs that the customer is watching on TV 32” will be described as an example. However, “content of information acquired or transmitted via another communication means” is, for example, the field or content of information received or transmitted by the customer via the PC 54 (see FIG. 4) and the Internet 16. Alternatively, it may be the field or content of the radio program that the customer is receiving / listening to on the radio 56 (see FIG. 4), or the customer is talking via the telephone 58 and the telephone network 60 (see FIG. 4). (For example, a person appearing in a conversation or a proper noun). The “content of information that the customer has selected to play” includes, for example, the content of the voice that the customer is playing using the audio device 38 (for example, the field of the music being played, the title of the song, the name of the performer, etc.). Can be mentioned. In the embodiment, it goes without saying that related information may be selected and distributed based on the information representing the contents as described above.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. In the first comparative example and the second comparative example described above, the case where information is distributed at a specified distribution timing has been described as an example. In the present embodiment, the operation of a device owned by a customer is managed by a management server The information related to the changed operation state is selected and distributed to the customer at the timing when the operation state of the device is changed. Specifically, for example, an incoming call or outgoing call of the telephone 58 (which may be a mobile phone) is detected, and when there is an incoming call or outgoing call, the partner who is talking to the customer is recognized, and information related to the recognized call partner (For example, a photograph of a trip taken by a customer with a call partner) may be selected and distributed. In addition, when an incoming or outgoing e-mail to the PC 54 (which may be a mobile phone) is detected and an incoming or outgoing e-mail is received, the e-mail partner is recognized, and information related to the recognized partner is displayed. You may make it select and deliver. In addition, a video camera that captures the visitor's home visitor is installed to detect whether or not the entrance chime was sounded by the visitor. A visitor's home visitor may be recognized based on a moving image obtained by imaging with a camera, and information related to the recognized visitor may be selected and distributed. Furthermore, when the operation / deactivation of the cooking utensil of the customer is detected, when the cooking utensil is activated or deactivated, related information (for example, information related to cooking or information about operation of the cooking utensil) is displayed. You may make it select and deliver. It also detects the activation / deactivation of a customer ’s appliance, and when the appliance is activated or deactivated, the relevant information (for example, information introducing the use case of the appliance, Information representing an advertisement etc.) may be selected and distributed. The electrical appliance may be a game machine or a karaoke machine. The above-described embodiment corresponds to the invention described in claim 1.

  Further, instead of detecting the operation of the device possessed by the customer as described above, for example, the use of a medium such as a book, CD, video tape, or DVD possessed by the customer is detected, and a specific medium is detected. When used by a customer, information relating to a specific medium used may be selected and distributed. Detecting a medium used by a customer means, for example, that each medium is affixed with an IC tag that records information indicating the type and content of each medium, and each medium is brought into use when each medium is used. An IC tag sensor is installed in a place (for example, a CD player for a CD, a DVD player for a DVD, etc.) or a storage place for storing each medium when not in use, and the IC tag sensor is connected to the management server 52. In addition, when the IC tag sensor detects that a specific medium to which the IC tag is affixed is brought into the place of use or the specific medium to which the IC tag is affixed is removed from the storage location, This can be realized by reading information recorded on the IC tag attached to the medium with an IC tag sensor. Although any device can be applied as an information reproducing device for reproducing distributed information, for example, a display unit provided in a wristwatch possessed by a customer may be used. Illustrations and characters that show the contents of a specific book on the display of the watch worn by the customer when the customer pulls out a specific book from the bookshelf that serves as a storage location for the book at the customer's home or library. Etc. can also be displayed. The above-described embodiment corresponds to the invention described in claim 2.

  Further, in the first comparative example and the second comparative example, image processing for converting information acquired for distribution to a customer into information suitable for reproduction display on an information reproduction device used for information reproduction is performed as information distribution. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When the customer has an information processing apparatus such as the PC 30 or the management server 52, the image processing is performed by the information processing apparatus. It may be.

  The information reproducing device is not limited to the devices shown in FIGS. 1 and 4. For example, as an image display device for reproducing and displaying an image, a stereoscopic TV having a special lens surface (for example, lenticular) for stereoscopic display is used. It may be used. When the above-described stereoscopic television is set as the “information reproducing device to be used”, the information distribution apparatus 12 (or the customer's PC 30) performs image processing for stereoscopically displaying an image on the stereoscopic information on the distribution information. Just do it.

  Further, the customer made some adjustment (for example, adjustment of density, color, gradation, etc. for the image displayed on the image display device) on the information distributed from the information distribution device 12 and reproduced by the information reproduction device. In this case, a function for transmitting this as adjustment information to the information distribution apparatus 12 is provided in the information reproduction device, and the information distribution apparatus 12 is based on the received adjustment information with respect to the information acquired for distribution to the customer. Thus, image processing corresponding to the adjustment performed by the customer may be performed. This eliminates the need for the customer to make similar adjustments to the reproduced information each time.

  In the first comparative example and the second comparative example, the case where the information distribution device 12 distributes information to a plurality of customers has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Install the program according to the present invention on an installed computer (for example, a home information server installed for the purpose of storing a large amount of information in a home digital network environment, etc.) By making the installed computer function as the information distribution apparatus according to the present invention, information is distributed only to a single customer (a customer in which a computer functioning as an information distribution apparatus is installed at home or the like). It may be.

  Also in this aspect, the computer functioning as the information distribution apparatus can, for example, manage the TV program that the customer is watching or the TV program that the customer has made a recording reservation in the same manner as the management server 52 described in the second comparative example. The field and contents are judged (the judgment of the field and contents of the TV program for which recording reservation has been made may be any timing at the time of recording reservation, at the time of recording, or at the time of playback of the recorded TV program), and the customer is watching Information related to the field and content of the TV program is searched via the Internet 16 (when the genre of information to be searched is registered in advance and the determined TV program field and content matches the registered genre. Only relevant information extracted by the search may be presented to the customer at a predetermined timing (if the information is related to the TV program being viewed by the customer) If it is information that is immediately presented to the customer and related to the TV program for which the customer has made a recording reservation, the information is temporarily stored in a storage device and presented to the customer when the recorded TV program is played back). it can.

  As the information reproducing device for presenting related information, for example, a TV 32 can be used. For example, the related information can be presented to a customer by displaying the related information in an area of a relatively small area provided on the screen of the TV 32. Instead, an information reproducing device such as electronic paper 36 may be used. When the remote controller of the TV 32 is provided with a display unit such as an LCD, this remote controller is used as the information reproducing device. It is also possible to present to the customer by sending the related information to the remote controller and displaying it on the display unit.

  In addition, as described above, by causing a computer installed at a customer's home or the like to function as an information distribution device according to the present invention, only a customer who has a computer functioning as an information distribution device installed at home or the like is used. In an aspect in which information is distributed, the information distribution apparatus can store information stored in the storage means (for example, information stored in the storage means at the same time by installing the program according to the present invention in the computer, or by the customer to the information distribution apparatus Only information that has been uploaded and stored in the storage means may be distributed. In this case, information is selected and distributed in a closed environment such as the customer's home, and it is not necessary to connect the information distribution apparatus to the outside via the Internet 16 or the like. In the above aspect, the owner of the information distribution apparatus and the recipient (receiver) of the distributed information are the same person (= customer), but the information recipient (receiver) of the information in such an aspect is also Included in the customer according to the present invention.

It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information delivery system which concerns on a 1st comparative example. It is an image figure which shows an example of a display layout. It is a flowchart which shows the content of an information delivery process. It is a block diagram which shows schematic structure of the information delivery system which concerns on a 2nd comparative example and embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

10 Information Distribution System 12 Information Distribution Device 16 Internet 18 Distribution Information Provider 30 PC
32 TV
34 Mobile device 36 Electronic paper 38 Audio device 40 Mobile device 42 TV
44 Distribution Information Processing Unit 46 Storage Unit 50 Information Distribution System 52 Management Server

Claims (2)

A selection means for detecting the operation of the device possessed by the customer and selecting content information related to the changed operation state at the timing when the operation state of the detected device has changed;
Distribution means for distributing the content information selected by the selection means to the customer via a predetermined communication means;
An information distribution apparatus including: A selection means for detecting the use of a medium owned by the customer and selecting content information related to the specific medium used when the specific medium is used by the customer;
Distribution means for distributing the content information selected by the selection means to the customer via a predetermined communication means;
An information distribution apparatus including:

Images